The Rotary Club of Umuahia Golden has reinforced efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare by donating essential medical equipment to the Bende Primary Health Care Centre in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Speaking during the presentation, the club's President, Rotarian Deborah Uche, said the intervention reflects Rotary's continued commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and children through meaningful humanitarian service.

She explained that the donation was based on a careful assessment of the health centre's most urgent needs to ensure the equipment would have the greatest impact on patient care.

The items donated included oxygen cylinders, an angle poise lamp, an electronic suction machine, a radiant warmer, and delivery forceps. According to her, the equipment is expected to strengthen emergency obstetric care and improve the survival chances of both mothers and newborn babies.

Highlighting the importance of the intervention, Uche noted that Nigeria continues to face one of the highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality globally, making sustained efforts by governments, development partners, and humanitarian organisations more critical than ever.

She stated that experts estimate a Nigerian woman faces a lifetime risk of one in 19 of dying from pregnancy-related complications, while hundreds of newborns lose their lives daily to preventable causes. She added that improving access to functional medical equipment at primary healthcare facilities remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the alarming figures.

Uche also urged the management of the health centre to ensure that the donated equipment is properly documented, maintained, secured, and used exclusively for the benefit of patients.

The Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Mr. Bassey Uwabunkeonye, expressed appreciation to Rotary International for its continued support of initiatives that improve the wellbeing of local communities.

Represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Okoroafor Oluchi, the council chairman described the donation as another example of Rotary's longstanding tradition of selfless service and commitment to community development.

Also speaking, the Health Authority Secretary for Bende Local Government Area, Mrs. Ihedigbo Glory, said the equipment would greatly enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and contribute to safer childbirth for expectant mothers receiving care at the facility.

The event also featured a health education session led by Rotarian Ezinne, who encouraged women to prioritise regular antenatal care, healthy pregnancy practices, and other preventive measures that help reduce pregnancy-related complications and improve maternal wellbeing.